Foaming at the mouth

[SJ]

We have just change our pony's bit from a fulmer snaffle to a kimblewick (she wasn't listening to the snaffle at all and permanently had her head stuck down in the spring grass while my daughter was riding her - very tiring and frustrating for a light weight 9 yr old!).

She used to foam at the mouth a tiny bit when doing school work in the snaffle but with the kimblewick she is producing copious amounts of foam even when out hacking.

The pony seems much happier and goes extremely well in the kimblewick and has not once tried to eat or go back home under her own initiative. My daughter has very gentle hands and I think they both now know that the kimblewick is there if necessary and my daughter confidence has improved which is great. But what about all this foam? Is it good? Does it mean that she mouthing the bit well or is she really not very comfortable?

I'd really like to know what you think.

Sara Jane

[Vicki]

It is good. It means she is accepting the bit well and I have been told by one instructor it also means they are working through from behind but how this can be an indication I don't know!

This is why there are lots of different kinds of bits sweet iron, happy mouths etc in order for the horse/pony to produce this saliva.

Regards

Vicki

[Medalia]

BE GLAD!!! This means that she has a relaxed mouth, and is happy to wear the bit! Because she foams is no indication that your daughter has poor hands or extremly gentle hands, but it is easier on the pony if she does have good hands. She is working through behind, because she's not hung up on thinking "Oh! I hate the bit, it hurts, I don't like it, it moves too much, it doesn't move enough, it rolls a lot, it doesn't fit...." things like that!! :D

[This message has been edited by Medalia (edited 16 May 2000).]

[@]

Same thing happens to a morgan at my barn. You're not alone! :)
Allie T

[Olivia]

I agree that 90% of the time foaming is good, but it can also mean that there is a problem with the teeth - it may be worth geting them checked. Better safe than sorry

[SJ]

Thanks for your replies. Her teeth are definitely OK as the they are checked and rasped very regularly. I'm curious that changing the bit can make a pony work through better from behind - which seems to be the general opinion. particularly as my daughter is not yet asking a great deal of her. Maybe one for Heather?

Sara Jane

[me2]

Rabies :)

[fionahogg]

could be because the stronger bit means your daughter has more control and therefore feels more 'safe' using more leg to encourage the horse to go more forward but not more fast (does that make sense!?!)

[SJ]

Funnily enough it makes perfect sense, she is riding with so much more confidence. They are both really getting it together which to so exciting.

Many thanks Fionahogg!

[fionahogg]

glad to hear your daughter and her horse are enjoying themselves!!
fiona :-)